MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas Women's 3x3 team started their FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup campaign on a rousing note after romping Samoa, 21-1, in their tournament opener in Changsha, China on Wednesday.
A total team effort from Gilas women Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro and Jack Animam pushed the Filipina squad past 18th-seed Samoa.
The Philippines ???????? were just unstoppable #3x3Asia pic.twitter.com/WmwKCi97Hq
— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) May 22, 2019
Meanwhile, the men's team fell to lower-seeded Thailand in their opening game, 11-14.
It was a double-whammy for the Filipino cagers as Ricci Rivero went down with an injury in the loss.
RT to wish @_ricciiirivero ???????? a speedy recovery ???????? pic.twitter.com/tOCxYC9L0W
— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) May 22, 2019
With Rivero out of commission, the Nationals also fell against powerhouse Qatar, 17-21.
The women's team will face Chinese Taipei later this afternoon while the men's team finished Day One of the tournament with a 0-2 record.
The Filipino cagers hope to bounce back for their first win of the Cup tomorrow when they face Iran.